Koh Racha Yai by Private Yacht from Phuket
The moment you first step onto the pristine sand of Koh Racha Yai, it’s hard not to be amazed. The sand is remarkably fine and white — almost like powder — so bright in the sun that sunglasses are a must. When the heat gets too much, you can always find shade beneath the island’s tall palm trees.
What is Racha Yai like?
Koh Racha Yai, also known as Raya Island, is a small, idyllic island located about 12 km south of Phuket. It’s a popular spot for day excursions, snorkeling and diving. The island is compact enough to host just a handful of resorts, including:
- The luxurious The Racha
- Racha Island Resort
- Baan Raya Resort
- The charming Bungalow Raya Resort
Even people who live on Phuket sometimes need to escape to a small slice of paradise like Koh Racha Yai to make the most of their free time.
Why do more boats go to Racha Yai than to its neighbours?
Getting to Koh Racha Yai is easy — just 30 to 60 minutes by comfortable yacht and you’re there.
Other advantages:
- Beautiful bays. Bungalow Bay is framed by a jagged shoreline, giving you a wonderful vantage point for taking in the vivid underwater world in all its glory. Snorkeling is an especially popular activity on Racha Island. Next to Bungalow Bay is Siam Bay, which — while less crowded — has notably shallow water, making it ideal for travelers with children.
- Comfortable, warm climate — even during the rainy season.
- You can easily spot plenty of local wildlife: crabs, monitor lizards, exotic birds.
- The island’s compact size means you can walk around it in a single day.
- You can swim and dive away from the boat traffic, and there is plenty of shade to escape the sun — everything a traveler could want.
- This luxury resort welcomes anyone looking for privacy, a bit of pampering, and genuine Thai hospitality. It comprises seventy beautifully appointed villas and spacious suites, each with a private pool. Guests can enjoy exceptional Thai and international cuisine at three restaurants, including an open-air garden setting surrounded by towering coconut palms.
There’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail at sunset while relaxing on comfortable loungers right on the pristine beach — arguably one of the best spots to do exactly that.
Day by private yacht: Phuket – Koh Racha Yai Island and back
A trip to Koh Racha Yai is a refreshing break from the busy energy of Phuket. If you’re tired of the noise and hustle and craving a calm, unhurried getaway, consider a short trip to this island paradise. The journey takes just half an hour, and you’ll get to enjoy the island’s picturesque scenery right from the water. Adding this trip to your Thailand itinerary will make the trip even more memorable.
Why choose our services:
- We’re open to your preferences and needs, offering personalized touches like a romantic dinner or an onboard disco to make your trip even more enjoyable.
- Our top priorities are spacious cabins, impeccably clean and modern common areas, and a dedicated, attentive crew.
- Your safety is our priority. Our crew consists of experienced professionals who ensure you feel safe throughout the entire journey.
Start planning your exclusive yacht trip to Koh Racha Yai today. Contact us now to begin planning your tour.
Koh Racha Yai is located about 12 km south of Phuket, roughly 30 to 60 minutes away by comfortable yacht.
The sand is remarkably fine and white, almost powder-like and very bright in the sun, with shade available under the island’s tall palm trees.
Snorkel in Bungalow Bay’s vivid underwater world, swim in the shallow, family-friendly Siam Bay, spot local wildlife such as crabs, monitor lizards and exotic birds, and walk around the compact island in a single day.
Yes — the island enjoys a comfortable, warm climate even during the rainy season.
The island hosts a handful of resorts, including The Racha, Racha Island Resort, Baan Raya Resort, and Bungalow Raya Resort.
How far is Koh Racha Yai from Phuket?
In a straight line it is about 26 km (14 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to Koh Racha Yai. This is an approximate straight-line distance, not an exact navigational figure — the actual route on the water is always somewhat longer.
For a motor yacht, a crossing of this length typically takes about 40–55 minutes, depending on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea. The departure pier is also chosen to suit the route and the vessel, so we confirm the exact timing and departure point when planning your trip.
When planning a longer day on the water, this trip is often combined with Koh Racha Noi or the Racha Islands overview.
Where does this route depart from? Chalong Pier and the island's marinas are compared in where yachts depart from in Phuket.
Recommended Yachts for Your Koh Racha Yai Tour
Horizon Cruises Phuket offers a private yacht charter to Koh Racha Yai tailored to your group. Two of our vessels are especially well suited for this trip:
- Technema 89 “Say Yes” — a spacious motor yacht ideal for families and groups seeking comfort on the way to Koh Racha Yai.
- Beluga 88 — a stylish yacht offering a relaxed, private atmosphere for couples or smaller parties.
See our full yacht fleet or contact us to plan your Koh Racha Yai day trip.
How long does the trip take on different boats?
Racha Yai is about 26 km from Chalong, and that distance sits differently on different hulls.
| Boat | Cruising speed | One way | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | 25–35 knots | ~35 minutes | a half day is realistic |
| Motor yacht | 9–28 knots | 40–55 minutes | a comfortable full day |
| Power catamaran | 8–18 knots | about an hour | full day, steady at anchor |
| Sailing catamaran | 5–7 knots | 2.5–3 hours | full day with one long stop |
The times are calculated and in practice run slightly longer: the captain eases off in swell and close to shore. The main conclusion of the table is simple — Racha Yai is the only one of the far southern islands a fast boat can reach in half a day.
What is there to do at Racha Yai?
Mostly the water. Siam Bay gives white sand, a gentle entry and snorkelling right off the beach, with no need to go out by tender. That is a rare combination: on most islands you have to leave the beach to reach the reef.
After that it depends on the group. Families with children are happy with one bay for the whole day. For more active guests the captain shows a second and third anchorage along the coast, where there are fewer people. Snorkelling gear is on board.
How a day at Racha Yai actually goes
| Time | Full day | Half day |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | depart Chalong | depart Chalong |
| 09:00 | first stop, the bay is empty | first stop |
| 11:00 | move to the second anchorage | head back |
| 12:30 | lunch on board at anchor | alongside around 12:30 |
| 14:00 | third stop or back to the first | — |
| 15:30 | head back | — |
| 16:30 | alongside | — |
The departure hour matters more than anything else in this table. The tour boats reach Racha Yai between ten and eleven — a boat that left at eight has the bay to itself for the first hour and a half.
When is the best time to go, and when is it not?
November to April brings calm water and the best visibility; this is the main season. May to October is cheaper and quieter, trips run, but the route is chosen by the wind of the particular day. Racha lies in open water south of Phuket, so in a strong south-west wind the captain may suggest a destination in the lee of the coast — that is normal seamanship, not an excuse.
Is Racha Yai a good choice for a first visit?
Yes — it is the most common answer to "where should we go the first time". Three reasons: the crossing is short, the water is clear, and there is a real sandy beach rather than only rocks. If you have one trip and want it to work out, this is the safe choice.
It does not suit one case: if you have already been here or to other popular islands and want empty water. Then look towards Racha Noi — 11 km farther, with almost nobody there.
Racha Yai or Racha Noi — which should you choose?
Racha Yai is 11 km nearer, has beaches and gentler terrain. Racha Noi is farther, uninhabited, with almost no beaches, but clearer water and far fewer people. The first is about a beach day, the second about snorkelling and quiet. The full comparison and the "both in one day" option are on the Racha Islands page.
What does a trip to Racha Yai cost?
Per boat per day, not per person: from ฿18,900 for a speedboat for 4–12 guests, from ฿20,900 for a sailing catamaran, from ฿33,900 for a motor yacht. The group shares one sum. Fuel for the route is added to the rate, and season moves it by roughly a quarter. Full tables are on the prices page.
Where do boats to Racha Yai depart from?
The island lies south of Phuket, so it is served from the south side, usually from Chalong Pier — the 26 km on this page are measured from there. The exact boarding point depends on where the particular boat is berthed and is confirmed at booking. All Phuket marinas.
What to bring
A hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, a light long-sleeved shirt, swimwear under your clothes and cash in baht. Towels, masks and fins, water, drinks, ice and life jackets in adult and child sizes are already on board.
Other destinations nearby
- Racha Noi — 37 km, uninhabited, for snorkelling and quiet
- Coral Island — 11 km, the shortest trip
- Maiton — 17 km, a long empty beach
Frequently asked questions
How far is Racha Yai from Phuket?
About 26 km from Chalong Pier: 40–55 minutes on a motor yacht, about 35 minutes by speedboat, 2.5–3 hours under sail.
Can Racha Yai be done in half a day?
Yes, on a fast boat. By speedboat it is 35 minutes each way, leaving two to three hours on the island itself. On a sailing catamaran half a day is not enough.
Is there a beach on Racha Yai?
Yes — Siam Bay, white sand and a gentle entry into the water. It is one of the few southern destinations with a real sandy beach rather than only a rocky shore.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
No. A licensed captain is on board, and on larger boats a crew as well. Nothing is required of the guests.
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Koh Racha Yai by Private Yacht from Phuket
Boats that suit this route
Departure marina is the practical filter for this direction:
- Princess F55 RISA — 55 ft, from ฿180,000
- Astondoa 102ft — 102 ft, from ฿390,000
- Mami Wata — 15.34 m, from ฿41,000
- Shibuli Leopard 40 — 40 ft, from ฿59,000
- Zambezia Leopard 53 — 53 ft, from ฿69,500
- Jawsss — 61 ft, from ฿94,400
